He said how this season shaped up would be a matter of “wait and see”.

“Every area is different. Victoria should fare average to below, but then I’m not an industry expert,” Mr Knox said.

“Last year was atrocious. This year, it’s early (to say).”

The hot weather hasn’t been too fierce for Mr Knox’s crop.

“I’ve got bees on river red gum and it loves the hot weather. Although it’s too hot for some — that’s been the worry all week.”

The Australia Honey Bee Industry Council said in extreme heatwave conditions beeswax honeycombs could melt inside the hive.

The heat forces bees to remain inside and collectively fan their wings in an attempt to keep the hive cool.

Council executive director Trevor Weatherhead said honey stock was now the scarcest it had been in more than 10 years and it was important for Australians to support the local honey industry.

“An estimated 65 per cent of agricultural production in Australia depends on pollination by honeybees with pollination services to Australian agriculture being valued at more $1.7 billion per annum,” Mr Weatherhead said.